Trust in Financial Guidance Among Indian Graduates
Despite the surge of AI in finance, 91% of Indian graduates still trust human financial advisors most for reliable guidance, according to a survey by the CFA Institute. This trust far exceeds reliance on AI assistants, robo-advisors, or social media influencers. The Global Graduate Outlook Survey 2025 gathered insights from over 9,000 students and recent graduates across 11 markets, including 1,250 participants from India, focusing on career preferences, confidence, and the impact of professional certifications in finance careers.
Human Advisors Lead, but AI Gains Ground
While human advisors top the trust list at 91%, AI assistants like ChatGPT are trusted by 83% of Indian graduates, matching the trust placed in friends and family. Online financial education platforms also play a key role, trusted by 75%, followed closely by robo-advisors at 74% and social media influencers at 71%. This mix shows that Indian graduates value technology-driven resources but continue to rely on human expertise for financial decisions.
Rising Confidence in Careers and Certifications
Confidence in career prospects is high, with 87% of Indian graduates feeling optimistic about their future. Additionally, 85% believe that industry certifications have boosted their employability and income. Remarkably, 68% view certifications as more advantageous for career growth than postgraduate degrees. These figures highlight a clear shift in India toward skill-focused education and practical qualifications.
Finance Tops Career Preferences in India
Finance remains the most preferred career sector for 38% of Indian graduates, outpacing IT at 32% and education at 21%. This preference is driven by finance’s stability, global relevance, and growth potential within India’s economy. Arati Porwal, Senior Country Head at CFA Institute India, notes that this generation is confident and intentional about career growth, with certifications playing a pivotal role in their skills-first approach.
Tech-Driven Careers and Soft Skills Valued
Indian graduates are embracing AI in the workplace, with 92% feeling confident in using AI tools professionally. Over half are actively seeking employers who provide AI training, reflecting a desire for tech-friendly work environments. When it comes to employability, 64% prioritize soft skills, followed by 56% who emphasize AI skills—both ranking higher than traditional academic grades or the reputation of their educational institutions.
Digital Platforms Transform Career Exploration
Social media is a vital resource for career planning among Indian graduates. Nearly 46% use it to explore real-life career paths, and another 46% use it to build their professional presence. Networking on these platforms is common, with 37% engaging for connection opportunities. This digital engagement extends to financial advice, where 83% trust AI assistants and 74% turn to social media influencers for insights, showing a blend of peer-reviewed and tech-driven information sources.
For finance professionals interested in AI tools and certifications that can enhance career skills, resources like Complete AI Training’s finance AI tools and industry-recognized certifications offer practical options.
Your membership also unlocks:
